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Ecological Disturbance (Progression of Natural Disturbance (An…
Ecological Disturbance
Natural Disturbance
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Properties
Secondary succession occurs when succession starts on existing soil following the upheaval of a pre-existing ecosystem
This upheaval results in the removal of existing biota and allows a new ecosystem to develop on the site of the old
Because the soil is already developed, dominance is usually achieved by the fastest growing plants
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Deforestation
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Ways Deforestation suck
Less trees means there is less evapotranspiration, meaning there is less moisture in the air (less precipitation)
Fewer trees means less litter (due to less defoliation), which reduces the production of humus (so less nutrients in soil)
There will be a rapid loss of nutrients from leaching, but less chemical weathering of rock (due to less water in soil)
The soil will become acidic and release iron and aluminium to form an infertile ferrilitic soil (nutrient poor)
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The infertile soil will prevent vegetative growth, reducing biodiversity and further nutrient cycling
Logging operations may also alter the distribution of plant species by removing the canopy and increasing light exposure
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